Information For Schools & Careers Advisors

As your students reach a milestone in their education, whether that be GCSEs or A Levels, we understand you're trying to offer them the best advice and options for their future.

Many students choose to continue in formal education with a goal to gain a University degree, others may want to look at different paths to their future. This guide is designed to help you understand the Apprenticeship route - what it can provide your students and why the modern Apprenticeship is a viable option for all students in your school community.

At SS&L, we specialise in Apprenticeships and Traineeships (Pre-Apprenticeships) and also offer GCSE retakes & vocational courses. We're here to help you understand the options your students have.

The Government has invested significantly in Apprenticeships and Traineeships and will continue to do so in the future. Gone are the days when Apprenticeships were only considered for those not academically suitable for higher education. The modern Apprenticeship is now just an alternative route to the same ends; whether that be a University degree or a successful career.

There is no student debt with Apprenticeships. In fact, young people will be paid to learn! The Government funds your student's Apprenticeship qualification and their employer pays them at least the national minimum Apprenticeship wage of £3.50ph.

Why Recommend An Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships offer a different way of learning, with the possibility of reaching the same goals a traditional academic route would offer. Some students find the less formal, more adult approach to learning, coupled with hands on practical experience, a far more rewarding and successful way of completing further education.

Alternatively, you or your students can contact us and can ask to be put through to an Area Account Manager who can speak with them about Apprenticeships, opportunities available and find them a suitable Apprenticeship position.

We are always available if you'd like to find out more about Apprenticeships and encourage you to call to speak with one of our Area Account Managers if you have questions.

If a student has not achieved the required GCSEs in English and Maths to undertake a particular Apprenticeship, then we offer these courses internally and have good success rates in helping young people achieve the grades required.

What Can A Student Do After An Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a gateway to opportunity.

Once a young person has completed their Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in their chosen field, they can progress onto a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. Following this there may be an opportunity to go onto a Higher Apprenticeship or into a Foundation Degree, which in turn, can lead to a full degree course.

Many Apprentices are offered full-time, permanent jobs by their employer once they have finished their Apprenticeship, and are viewed as a valuable member of the company.

Every young person is different. After doing an Apprenticeship, some thrive by staying in the workplace and embracing in-house qualifications and training and progressing in their career that way. Others may wish to return to an academic route - having had a chance to get a taster of their career choice in the real world, they may wish to expand their knowledge more formally.

Most importantly, an Apprenticeship allows a young person to experience both the learning aspect, and hands-on skills training, of their chosen career, which helps them make informed choices about their future direction.

How Else Can We Help Your Students?

GCSEs

Some students are either ill-prepared for GCSEs, or, for a variety of reasons, may not succeed at GCSEs in your school setting.

As educators, we all know one thing is certain and that is achieving a minimum C Grade/Level 4 in GCSE English and maths opens the door for many young people and it is something that they should aspire to.

SS&L offers GCSE resits in English and maths. Like teachers in your school, our tutors are passionate about their student's success. Many young people retaking English and/or maths with us have not only achieved good grades but have surpassed their expectations by achieving A Grades/Level 1s. We attribute this success to providing our students with a different environment to their school setting, where they may feel more at ease and able to seek help, are less distracted by their peer group or simply enjoy being in a more mature, adult environment.

Vocational Courses

We offer classroom-based and distance learning courses across a variety of subjects.

If your student is interested in becoming a Teaching Assistant, an Office Manager, a Healthcare Worker, a Fitness Instructor or just wants to learn how to drive a computer in a modern office environment with ECDL, we offer a range of courses that could suit.